Some people think democracy is in their pockets, says PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi harshly criticized the Congress party and targeted Rahul Gandhi, though not by name, during his speech at the India Today Group's Bharat Kisan Conclave. Modi claimed that some individuals carry the Constitution in their pockets and believe the country's democracy resides solely in their pockets.

He described their behavior as a strange intoxication of power, even when they are no longer in government. Modi recalled an incident from his time as Gujarat's Chief Minister, alleging that the central government pressured researchers to seek its approval before publishing economic rankings. He emphasized that Gujarat had secured the top position in an economic performance list published by an organization named after a former Prime Minister, based on research conducted by leading economists.

Modi highlighted that agricultural development, smarter farming, and farmer empowerment are crucial for building a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India). He stressed that India offers growing opportunities in agri-engineering and agri-startups, and his government's focus is on empowering farmers to become agricultural entrepreneurs.

Citing a World Bank study, Modi claimed that nearly 50 crore people had emerged from poverty over the past 12-13 years, with small farmers and agricultural laborers being part of this group. He further stated that rural areas have experienced a significant decline in poverty. Earlier that day, Modi asserted that India will become a developed nation by 2047, as the mindset has changed and targets set by the government, which once seemed impossible, have been achieved.

He emphasized that when a deadline is set, priorities, the way of working, and speed change, leading to significant achievements.